As part of the ‘Tobacco Free Educational Programme’ the office of the District School Education Officer, South West Khasi Hills District organised signature campaigns and rallies in different parts of the district which ran from May 18 to 20.
More than 450 schools took a leading role in spreading the message against the use of tobacco and its harmful effects through Rallies and Signature Campaigns on the theme, “Tobacco a threat to the Environment”.
Rallies and signature campaigns which are part of the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) which is observed on May 31 were organized with a view to create awareness on the impact of tobacco and its products on the environment and health.
National Tobacco Control Program, State Nodal Officer, Dr. Lana Nongbri said that tobacco not only impacts the environment but it affect human health as high usage of tobacco can cause death and diseases which creates difficulties and a burden on families.
The Tobacco Free Educational Institutions programme has thus become a game changer in reducing tobacco usage, she added.